San Diego State Junior Jamaal Franklin Will Enter 2013 NBA Draft

By Paul Seaver

Howard Smith-USA Today Sports

According to a report from CBSSports‘ Jeff Goodman, San Diego State star forward Jamaal Franklin will declare for the 2013 NBA Draft.

Franklin, who stands at 6-foot-5 is a California-native and has all the intangibles to hear his name called in the first round of the NBA Draft. According to many draft experts, Franklin is a late first-early second round selection, but given his athleticism and budding potential, he could move up some boards prior to this June.

Franklin burst onto the scene during the 2011-12 season after barely seeing playing time as a freshman the year before. This past year, Franklin kept up his stellar play and led the Aztecs to a win within the NCAA Tournament. On the year collectively, Franklin averaged 17.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Franklin brings a lot to the table and his ability to show the fact that he could not only score the basketball, but rebound and run the break in transition is what has taken his stock and potential to the next level.

The biggest concern for Franklin’s production at the next level is his ability to hit the outside shot. Franklin shot 28% from 3-point land this past season, but if he can prove that he can consistently knock down the perimeter shot, his stock will surely benefit.

According to NBADraft.net, Franklin is projected to be taken with the No. 35 choice in the NBA Draft.

The loss of Franklin hurts the Aztecs’ outlook moving forward to next season, but San Diego State will still have enough talent in 2013-14 to compete within the upper half of the Mountain West Conference.